My definition of love I would prefer over the "in love" I would choose everytime. It is familiar, comfortable, it fits. In Love is the 'gut feel' for someone where you have butterflies etc. You are just happy to be in the same room with them. Loving someone is caring about there well being. Wanting to help. Being caring. But you can do it from 1000 miles as easily as right htere. If you know what I mean? Personally, I think it's possible to have long lasting love and also be "in love." Maybe not all the time head over heels being in love, but if two people consciously light each others sparks, long lasting love and lust can remain exciting and new. It has to be worked on, though, from both sides. I am no expert on this, but I have to admit I still go "ooh and ahh" over my husband's eyes, or his smile, or that tight butt of his :) even after 9 years and many of those having been really tough and nearly divorced. Love is saying I'm sorry. Love is a precious thing - both in giving and receiving. Love is unconditional. Love is being there and giving space accordingly. Love is forgiving. love is trust. Love is a gift from God. Love is everlasting. 'Love means never having to say you're sorry.' -- I think you have to keep that line in context of the story. Even as a young teenager watching that story I got that the line meant that you recognize that someone who loves you would not hurt you intentionally, so if they do, the assumption is that they are sorry. Love is what you put into the marriage, not what you get back from it or think you deserve. Love grows deeper over the years and this person is supposed to be your best friend you can confide in and share with. The one that fights occasionally with you for principles and then tells you they are sorry for their part in the arguing. Love forgives one another, not cheats on one another. To me love means caring enough about someone that you want to put their interests and welfare ahead of your own. Love is knowing that there is only person who holds the "key" to your heart. Knowing that you will be spending the rest of your life with them just makes you feel really good inside. Love is not being able to stop thinking about this person, not being able to stay separated for too long. Love is not knowing what to say, but you know that you don't have to say anything at all. Love is not only told through one word to someone that you really love. Actions represent how we feel, so if you truly love someone let them know today, waiting for tomorrow may be too late. Love means silly little gifts for no special occasion, goofy or sappy cards, "just to say I love you" calls in the middle of the day. It might not be your style but it's amazing how someone who has a hard time being romantic around their wife can turn into a romantic fool with their girlfriend. Love means talking about what's troubling you and not letting little issues become major annoyances because you're too embarrassed or scared to tell your spouse there's a problem. Love also means having a solution or some options for change when you do present a problem. Love means staying true to your marital commitment and if the time ever comes that you want to break that commitment, love also means breaking that commitment legally and not adulterously. It is easier for a spouse to move past divorce when adultery isn't involved. Love means letting go of the past and grabbing hold of the present. Mistakes can never be undone and the past should never be used as a whip to keep someone you love in line. Well, that's my short list of what love is.
chatty